Journey to Cuba

Explore old Havana’s history and architecture. Meet with farmers and enjoy a private flamenco performance by some of Cuba’s best dancers. Discuss U.S./Cuban foreign policy during lectures with local experts. Learn about Cuban music and visit private art collections. In the Viñales Valley, take in views of the dramatic landscapes and limestone mogotes.

Travelers fly independently to Havana. (Information on recommended flights will be provided.) After a traditional Cuban lunch, take an orientation walk down the Prado before checking into the Hotel Parque Central, perfectly located in the central part of Havana. Enjoy a welcome drink on the roof or our hotel, before dinner at one of Cuba’s best restaurants. Hotel Parque Central (L,D)

Tuesday, December 10

Havana

Enjoy a walking tour of Old Havana, including the Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de San Francisco (with buildings dating from the 18th century) and the Plaza Vieja, the oldest in Havana, dating from the 16th century. Enjoy dinner in a private home at one of Havana’s top paladares. Hotel Parque Central (B,L,D)

Wednesday, December 11

Havana

Enjoy a lecture about “Cuba in Transition” by a prominent author and historian. Take a tour of Western Havana, a treasure trove of 20th century architecture, including the University of Havana, the Habana Libre, the Riviera Hotel, and the Christopher Colon Cemetery. Visit the whimsical home of artist José Fuster, who has made a major contribution to rebuilding and decorating the fishing town of Jaímanitas in the outskirts of Havana. Experience Cuba’s art scene during a visit to a contemporary art gallery. Hotel Parque Central (B,L,D)

Thursday, December 12

Viñales Valley / Havana

Considered by many to be the most beautiful place in Cuba, the Viñales Valley National Monument holds stunning landscapes, and is the premier tobacco growing area in the world. Led by a family member, we a tour a beautiful 40-acre privately owned farm. We have lunch with at the farm. Then visit a charming community art and education project dedicated to local children. Return to Havana for dinner on your own. Hotel Parque Central (B,L)

Friday, December 13

Havana

Enjoy a private dance performance of the Compania Irene Rodriguez (flamenco). Meet Irene and the company, considered by many to be the finest flamenco dancers in Cuba. Visit the Miramar neighborhood for lunch, before time to see the Hotel Nacional and visit a private home. Enjoy a pre-dinner musical performance and lecture about the history of Cuban music. Hotel Parque Central (B,L,D)

Saturday, December 14

Havana

Enjoy a morning lecture and discussion with a prominent journalist. After lunch explore Callejon de Hamel, a street in Havana known for is lively murals, and an area popular with followers of the Santeria religion. Tonight explore the Fabrica de Arte Cuba, the most collaborative art project in Havana. Hotel Parque Central (B,L,D)

Sunday, December 15

Havana

Visit the Museum of Cuban Art with an art historian and curator. The museum is dedicated exclusively to Cuban art. Enjoy a free afternoon before our farewell dinner at La Guarida, one of the best paladares in Havana. It is housed on the third floor of a large, old town house carrying the charming ambiance of the 1920s. Hotel Parque Central (B,L,D)

Monday, December 16

Havana / U.S.

Check out of the hotel and depart for the airport for flights home. (B)

Cost and Details

Cost: $5,245 per person, double occupancy

Single Room Supplement: $1,500

Included
7 nights accommodation at 4–5 Star Hotel Parque Central Havana; Cuban departure tax; meals as listed in itinerary (B=Breakfast L=Lunch and D=dinner. Includes at least one beverage: water, beer, mojito, or soft drink. Wine with welcome and farewell dinners.); bottled water; air conditioned bus throughout the trip equipped with water; admission to all museums and public buildings listed in itinerary; speaker fees and conference room rentals; professional
tour manager throughout; Commonwealth Club tour representative with 15 travelers; gratuities for all group activities – including meals, baggage handling, bus driver, and local Cuban guide; Cuban Tourist Visa; Compliance with US Treasury Department.

Air
Airfare is not included in the program cost and travelers are responsible for booking their own flights into Havana, arriving on December 9. Suggested arrival and departure times that coincide with the group airport transfers will be provided with confirmation. We recommend staying in Miami on December 8.

What to Expect

Travelers must be in overall good health and with good mobility in order to enjoy this program fully. There is considerable walking over uneven terrain and old city streets throughout the tour. Many places have stairs without handrails. In addition, many buildings do not have elevators, or the elevators may not be functioning. Restaurants in private homes often require walking up several flights of stairs. This is a busy program, with many activities. We are sure you will enjoy the trip, but want you to be aware of the physical requirements and pace.

Educational Highlights

Terms and Conditions

Reservations
A $1,000 per person deposit, along with a completed and signed Reservation Form, will reserve a place for participants on this program. The balance of the trip is due 90 days prior to departure and must be paid by check.

Cancellation and Refund Policy
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing. At the time we receive your written cancellation, the following penalties will apply:

• 91 days or more prior to departure: $500 per person
• 90-60 days to departure: $1,000 deposit
• 59-1 days prior to departure: 100% fare

Tour can also be cancelled due to low enrollment. CWC does not accept liability for cancellation penalties related to domestic or international airline tickets purchased in conjunction with the tour.

Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information will be sent upon registration and can be viewed Travel Insurance Services website.

Eligibility
We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a worldwide membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.

Medical Information
Participation in this program requires that you be in good health. It is essential that persons with any medical problems and related dietary restrictions make them known to us well before departure.

Itinerary Changes & Trip Delay
Itinerary is based on information available at the time of printing and is subject to change. We reserve the right to change a program’s dates, staff, itineraries, or accommodations as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed, or the itinerary changed, due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, airline schedules, government intervention, sickness or other contingency for which CWC or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays or changes is not included.

Limitations of Liability
CWC and Owners, Agents, and Employees act only as the agent for any transportation carrier, hotel, ground operator, or other suppliers of services connected with this program (“other providers”), and the other providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services. CWC hall not be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, or vehicle operated or provided by such other provider, and (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against CWC for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. By registering for the trip, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create ahazard for him/herself or other participants. CWC shall not be liable for any air carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the traveler. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the passengers.

Registration
Commonwealth Club of California-CST# 2096889-40

Commonwealth Club

The leading national forum open to all for the impartial discussion of public issues important to the membership, community and nation. The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. Each year, we bring nearly 500 events on topics ranging across politics, culture, society and the economy to more than 25,000 members and the public, both in-person and via an extensive online and on-air listenership and viewership.